Clear As A Bell

UF Health cancer patients and their treatment teams rang the Liminal Bell during its unveiling on May 10 at the UF Health Davis Cancer Pavilion. The Liminal Bell is an art installation consisting of a bell created from an oxygen tank that is suspended from an oak beam structure, surrounded by oak benches.

The word liminal is derived from the Latin word “limen,” which means “threshold.”

Radiation oncology and medical oncology nurses conceptualized the Liminal Bell project as a way of creating a positive ritual wherein patients can mark the end of cancer treatment by ringing the Liminal Bell in the presence of their family, friends and treatment teams.

“We all have family and really good friends who have been affected by cancer,” said Debra Hutchinson, nurse manager at UF Health Radiation Oncology. “We all recognize the importance of celebrating a milestone in treatment.”

The UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine program was instrumental in recruiting local artist Alexis Dold, the owner of Gainesville’s Circle Square studio, to create the work of art.

“[The bell] has so much meaning to so many people, and it’s going to have so much meaning over time,” said Dold, who donated his time to the project.

—Marilee Griffin

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Summer 2014

Clinical trials are at the heart of every advancement in treating cancer, yet lack of understanding about the benefits, risks and opportunities that trials offer can sometimes prevent patients from taking advantage of the newest drugs and treatments they make available.

Researchers in the UF Health Precision Cancer Care Program are identifying the genes of lung and colon cancer tumors, forming the first center in the state to perform this testing for solid tumors. By identifying particular gene mutations that drive cancers, physicians can deliver better, more targeted treatments to those cancers.

Each year, more than 1,000 patients take part in clinical trials at the UF Health Cancer Center. All are helping UF researchers chip away at the great unknown: what makes each person’s cancer tick, and how to stop that ticking without causing harm to the patient over the course of treatment.

UF Health cancer patients and their treatment teams rang the Liminal Bell, an art installation consisting of a bell created from an oxygen tank that is suspended from an oak beam structure. The word liminal is derived from the Latin word “limen,” which means “threshold.”